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Question for the group, I have decided to use 4 3" schedule 40 pipe 1" long at the bottom with a bolt so the intake air flow can be adjusted. I will put 2 on each side, not on the door side. On the door side I was going to put 1 2" schedule 40 pipe 1" long towards the top of the door, it's above and beyond what is needed based on the calculations, but I did read some posts about allowing cooler air in toward the top of the firebox. If necessary I can sketch something up so it may be a bit more clear. My question is, should I put the additional vent higher up on the door?
Across from the FB to CC opening would be good..... you do not want the upper air inlet to be able to add air to the fire..... just the cook chamber while scavenging heat from the FB...
The lower air inlets should feed air at, or below the wood grate....
If you think the upper air inlet will be too low..... One member added a deflector tab inside the door to deflect the air upward away from the fire.... worked perfect... when he had it open the temp lowered in the CC because it did not add air to the fire.. then you adjust the lower air inlet as needed to maintain temps.... while maintaining the CC temp.... It's a balancing act to get all thing right....
The firebox temp also lowered... His firebox was something like 450-500 degrees the way he ran it before... now it runs 3-350 with the smoker at 250.... or something like that... saves fuel by not overheating the FB and getting temps up in the CC....
Looks good man. I like how you did the firebox door. Any problems with it getting whopper jawed while building it? I'm curious on how you're going to do your door latch.
My plan will be to add a single 2" schedule 40 pipe 2" long at approximately the same height as the intake from the FB into the CC. I will post some pictures when complete.
Today I cut in the vents into the FB, I am considering welding the FB to the CC. But wanted to get some input. I know once they are welded together moving it will be made much more difficult. Not to mention the fact of welding the vents onto the FB may be more challenging due to the fact I will not be able to tip it on it's side.
Let me know, what you think. I have a bit mote venting than required based on the Calculations, but I will be able to close each down as needed
Each of the side vents are sized for a 3" schedule 40 pipe
I don't, when I started planning out this project, I went to all kinds of sites (Google images) looking for ideas, so I saved the image, but didn't didn't save the site from which they came. I am going to post some pictures of mine...I was a lot of work...trying to figure out how to keep everything centered so it will complete open and close. Spent the better part of today working on the 5 vents.